Blizzard to test WoW in-game store in Asia

Blizzard has announced a new in-game store for World of Warcraft that will feature microtransactions for benefits such as XP buffs.

“For players who are already interested in the in-game items we offer, such as Pet Store pets and mounts, the benefits of an in-game store are pretty clear,” wrote community manager Bashiok on the Battle.net forums. “We think everyone would appreciate the convenience of being able to make such purchases without having to leave the game, and ultimately that’s our long-term goal for the system, though there’s quite a bit of work involved in retrofitting those existing items into the new system.”

These new items, such as XP buffs to aid in the levelling process, and charms that give players the chance to win additional items from vanquished bosses. The in-game store will be tested in Asian markets first.

“Ultimately it’s still too early in the process to make any final determinations about our plans, but in the meantime, we hope you’ll check out the in-game store once it’s implemented on the Public Test Realm and let us know what you think.”

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